TEAM GB rugby star Amy Wilson-Hardy is under investigation after allegedly making a racist comment on WhatsApp.
British Olympic Association officials are probing a screenshot of a conversation which allegedly involves the 32-year-old and an unknown person.
A picture of the England forward in the chat appears to show her wearing a black facemask.
The unknown contact wrote: “genuine chocolate face”, to which the athlete allegedly replied: “Thought I’d have a better chance with the blacks”.
The WhatsApp screengrab – believed to have been leaked – was shared on Instagram, where one user wrote: “A little black face racism by @teamgb Rugby 7’s @amywilsonhardy even joking she’ll have a better chance with the blacks.”
The Sun has contacted the Rugby Football Union (RFU) for comment.
A spokesperson for BOA told The Sun: “The British Olympic Association has been made aware of an image published on a social media platform and is investigating the matter.”
Wilson-Hardy made her England debut in 2013 and started today’s 26-17 triumph over South Africa.
She was scheduled to play in tonight’s quarterfinal against the US.
From Poole, Dorset, Wilson-Hardy earned a bronze medal at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, was nominated to the 2017 Women’s Rugby World Cup squad.
Wilson-Hardy has represented Great Britain in rugby sevens, notably finishing fourth at the 2016 Rio Olympics, and has been a key player for the England Women’s Sevens team in various international tournaments.
She has played for the England Women’s national rugby union team since 2013, participating in multiple Six Nations Championships.
Known for her speed, agility, and versatility as a winger or centre, Wilson Hardy has balanced her athletic career with her engineering degree at the University of Bath.
She is regarded as a role model for elevating the profile of women’s rugby in the UK.
